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Guu Izakaya has to be one of the most fun restaurants I’ve been to in recent years. Upon entering the staff pauses for a moment to welcome everyone at the top of their lungs. Once seated, the Korean inspired menu took ahold of my attention. The meal started with a smooth shochu sweet potato vodka.Shochu Sweet Potato vodka at Guu Izakaya

We essentially ordered half of the menu to try so I will let you feast your eyes on the dishes!

Chicken Skin taco

BBQ pork and Tempura Prawns

Beef Short Ribs and Bibimbap

Needless to say, I left feeling full and happy and of course the staff all yelled their goodbyes as we exited the restaurant.

Cliff Bell’s located in downtown Detroit shows history and elegance the city maintained in its heyday while exemplifying what the city could be. This art deco restore entertainment venue and restaurant provided me with a superb experience.

The dining room at Cliff Bell’s located in Detroit

I started the meal with a warm and flavorful Redskin Potato Bisque followed by an entree of Roasted Salmon accompanied by spinach and goat cheese raviolis.

Roasted Salmon at Cliff Bell’s

The cocktails flowed. The food was devoured. And the jazz played. The Glen Tucker Organ Trio played a few live sets that evening and definitely set the tone for the restaurant.

the Glen Tucker Trio at Cliff Bell’s

This is a must visit while in Detroit for a great evening out to experience the city!

Golden Harvest of Lansing, MI does not disappoint empty stomachs. The anticipation built as my friend and I stood outside to wait for a table. All I knew was that we were HONGRY, not just hungry. So when we were seated, the entire menu looked delicious.

The unique quirks of Golden Harvest in Lansing, MI

I settled on the “Choke a Pig” omelette that was laced with bacon, spinach, artichokes, Swiss cheese, and micro-greens with a side of biscuits and gravy. This food event was life changing.

“Choke a Pig” omelette at Golden Harvest

The biscuits and gravy at Golden Harvest

This restaurant is a meat eaters, preferably a pork, paradise. The gravy had they typical sausage in it but also chunks of bacon were mixed in as well. This local restaurant is very popular, so make sure to arrive early to claim your place in line!

There is a quaint spot located near the campus of the University of Michigan in A2 (Ann Arbor for those of us not familiar with the Michigan lingo) that serves a great Mediterranean inspired cuisine at a very affordable price.

Jerusalem Garden in Ann Arbor, MI

Jerusalem Garden hit the right notes with a shawarma plate served with a robust hummus and well seasoned tahini salad.

Chicken shawarma plate served over hummus and rice at Jerusalem Garden

While this was not my favorite shawarma ever, that title still goes to L’As du Fallafel in Paris-my mouth is watering just thinking about it, this meal satisfied my shawarma craving. The delicious baklava and camel statues didn’t hurt either!

I was fortunate enough to attend the 4th annual Philly Chili Bowl held at Ruba Studios in Philadelphia, PA this past weekend. The stage was set with 25 competitors all battling to receive the top honor of the best chili of the evening. Aided by a sample 5 Hour Energy drink, I set out to find my favorite. My personal criteria for a great chili include beans, chunky vegetables, and a thicker consistency. I am not too picky when it comes to the meats of the dish.

4th Annual Philly Chili Bowl festivities

What I found were shredded and ground chicken, pork, and beef chilis. I even gave the vegan chili a taste. The winners of the event were varied as well. The third place contestant served a green chicken chili that tasted wonderful with great spices but reminded me more of enchilada filling than a chili. The second place contestants served their chili with mini potatoes. It was alright. The first place chili, I didn’t try! That’s the story of my life but my friend Amy raved about it. I couldn’t get past the Chunky Pumpkin Chili I tried. It was delicious and met the criteria I set forth. One might think, pumpkin has no place in a chili but the cook made it work! Her chili consisted of chunks of ground chicken, vegetables, beans, and a slight pumpkin base set off by the chili spices used. It literally blew my socks off because it was so unexpected, yet the ingredients came together so harmoniously so I cast my “crowd favorite” vote for this entry.

The 4th Annual Philly Chili Bowl Award Table

This is a must attend event if you are in or around Philly for the soon to be 5th annual Chili Bowl!